Neutral Fall Decor Ideas from Interior Designer

As a design consultant at DressMyCrib, I help the company by sharing important knowledge about how colors, textures, materials, and shapes affect how things look and feel, so we can help people pick the right rug for their home.

The months of September and October are a favorite amongst many home décor enthusiasts. We love getting in the mood by adding neutral fall décor to our space – whether for a cozy, farmhouse, rustic, or boho mood, there are so many ways to decorate for fall!

Drawing inspiration from nature and its simplicity can bring a touch of the season into our homes. This is especially true during the fall, a time when nature’s hues, from the golden-yellow leaves to the deep red apples, beckon us to mirror its beauty indoors.

Why Cozy Neutral Fall Décor?

The natural elements the season offers, from twigs to fruits, align seamlessly with our preference for a toned-down, neutral palette during this time.

While many are enamored with the vibrant oranges and rusts of fall, we’re choosing a more subtle and neutral approach to the season. The beauty of nature is that it provides ample materials to work with, each element bringing the essence of fall right into our living spaces without overdoing it.

A gentle touch of nature can evoke the spirit of fall, reminding us to savor the fleeting beauty of the season.

Photo by Jenna Sue Design

1. Embrace White, Soft-Hued, And Black Accents

Neutral fall home décor doesn’t mean decorating without any color. Rather, think of neutral fall décor as a way to bring warmth, organic elements and soft, subtle hues into your home. Focus on nature’s hues by adding accents to your home – earth-toned terracotta vases, wooden bowls, black stoneware bowls.

Fall also means pumpkins, right? Did you know that pumpkins also come in white? Supermarkets now also stock pumpkins in shades ranging from muted orange to soft greens and pinks, offering a more delicate nod to the season than their brighter counterparts. If you can’t get your hands on one of these varieties, try spray painting your pumpkin!

Photo by Amy Suter Designs

2. Add Rugs In Neutral Fall Colors

Embrace Muted Earth Hues

When selecting rugs for the fall, gravitate towards those soft, earth-inspired tones like gentle browns, understated greens, and delicate taupe. Just as you'd choose a faded orange pumpkin over a bright one, your rug should evoke that same serene autumnal feel. Try a rug visualizer to preview rugs in your room!

Dive Into Cozy Textures

Fall is all about tactile sensations, right? In your quest for that ideal fall rug, look for ones that offer a rich, plush texture. Wool rugs, for example, have a cozy charm, reminiscent of those crisp fall evenings.

Our Favorite Wool Rugs:

Layer With Finesse

Think of layering rugs as you would seasonal décor: a delicate balance of muted patterns over neutral bases. This is a subtle way to infuse fall motifs without letting them take over your space.

Nature's Touch with Fibers

As you adorn your space with organic elements, extend the same philosophy to your rugs. Options like jute, sisal, or seagrass not only provide an earthy texture but also effortlessly connect with the seasonal shift outdoors.

Photo by Meg Leonard Co.

3. Stems, Florals, And Branches

Eucalyptus has been a recent revelation in our seasonal decor. Its versatility as an evergreen, combined with its affordability, makes it a must-have. Whether displayed alongside pumpkins, strewn across a mantel, or simply standing in a vase, eucalyptus adds a fresh touch. The seeded variety, in particular, resonates deeply with autumnal vibes.

We also love neutral décor items like artificial fall stems, flowers andplum leaf branches. They’re the perfect transition between summer and fall and can be styled on a table, kitchen island, or dresser.

Photo by Diana Fernandez

4. Feature Nature's Bounty 

Introducing fruits like apples to autumn decor is not just visually appealing but also functional – they're a treat to eat post-display! Whether it's incorporating pomegranates in a dining setup or featuring apples in a rustic kitchen setting, the season's produce lends a gorgeous aesthetic touch.

Photo by Simona Olcese

5. Welcome the Warmth with Pillows and Throws 

Fall is synonymous with comfort and warmth. Infuse your home with the essence of 'hygge' by layering soft pillows and cozy throws. Textures play a vital role here; chunky fabrics invite you to sink in and revel in the season's coziness.

Photo by Erin Vogelpohl

6. Employ Autumnal Hues with Finesse 

Don’t rush! Rather than vivid oranges, lean towards softer, faded tones. Deep rusts transform into muted browns, and greens take on a gentle hue. These subdued colors, reminiscent of nature's true palette, feel innately organic in any decor setting.

Photo by Micheala Diane Designs

In conclusion, autumn provides a myriad of opportunities to infuse our spaces with its charm. By integrating natural elements and muted tones, one can create a serene, welcoming environment that both celebrates the season and beckons relaxation.